Dana Gioia quotes

“I have to say that Grieg's relationship to Kees' property is problematic. Michael Grieg told me that Kees' parents said he could keep all the paintings, and things like that. I have no way of verifying that claim. Grieg did end up owning all the paintings, pictures, which he then began selling, ... It took me years to convince him to let me see what he had. I think I was probably the first person to be given access to it.”

“Over the past half century, as American poetry's specialist audience has steadily expanded, its general readership has declined. Even if great poetry continues to be written, it has retreated from the center of literary life. Though supported by a loyal coterie, poetry has lost the confidence that it speaks to and for the general culture.”

“People have to recognize that the arts are a major industry and need to be at the table for the recovery plan, ... There is no way for these local economies to recover unless we invest in the cultural life. Culture was Louisiana's second-biggest economy, right after oil. These organizations have suffered enormous losses.”

“Jazz may well be considered America's most treasured and most influential export, ... From its earliest days until now it has continued to grow creatively -- yet the people who have given us this art form deserve far greater recognition.”

“Through Great American Voices, the NEA is building bridges between the military and arts community, ... This tour gives singers a chance to perform for new audiences and brings great music in live performance to military families.”